Dempsey defends FF stance on café bar pub licences

Communications Minister Noel Dempsey has defended Fianna Fáil's opposition to plans for the introduction of new café bar pub licences in Ireland.

The plan was put forward by Justice Minister Michael McDowell earlier this year, but reports this morning said it was set to be scrapped due to opposition from Fianna Fail back-benchers.

Mr McDowell's colleagues in the Progressive Democrats believe the new licences would help tackle Ireland's binge-drinking culture by promoting more relaxed, continental-style habits.

They have accused Fianna Fáil of acting at the behest of vested interests in the pub trade, but Mr Dempsey said today that opposition was coming from more than just publicans.

He said the Irish Medical Organisation had also expressed concern about the new licences.

"Health professionals have come out very, very strongly against this, so Fianna Fáil is entitled to consider whether an idea is a good one or otherwise," he said.